Shen Mingchuan let out a couple of awkward laughs, then declared grandly.

"I’ll transfer two thousand to you in a bit!"

"Keep it for yourself."

’You just sold two storefronts, and you’re only giving Anan two thousand for living expenses?’

’Lin Shen gave ten thousand just to smooth things over for Anan at kindergarten!’

’What can two thousand even buy in Modu?’

The sharp contrast with Lin Shen gave Lin Ping her first, most direct experience of Shen Mingchuan’s stinginess.

She suddenly realized, ’Money really does help you see a person’s true colors.’

The atmosphere in the car fell silent once again.

Shen Mingchuan tried his best to find something to talk about, but Lin Ping brushed off every attempt, forcing him to sigh to himself.

’Sigh!’

’Mending my relationship with Ping is going to be a long, hard road!’

—

「4:20 PM.」

「Hema Fresh Supermarket.」

After finding a parking spot, Shen Mingchuan eagerly followed Lin Ping into the supermarket.

Her incredibly sexy outfit drew admiring glances from many people around them.

A wave of vanity and accomplishment washed over Shen Mingchuan, and he couldn’t help but lift his chin in pride.

’When you’re out, the woman by your side is the biggest source of a man’s pride and glory.’

’That saying is absolutely right!’

Seeing Lin Ping, who had transformed from an ugly duckling into a swan, only strengthened Shen Mingchuan’s resolve to get back together with her.

He decisively took the shopping cart from her, hoping to show off his thoughtful and repentant side.

But Lin Ping acted as if she didn’t even notice.

In fact, the products on the shelves held her attention more than Shen Mingchuan’s fawning, sycophantic smile.

They started in the seafood section.

"Do you know what Lin Shen likes to eat?"

"Pork ribs, shrimp, and spicy chili chicken."

Lin Ping answered Shen Mingchuan’s question instantly, without a moment’s hesitation. The response left him stunned.

"You know that off the top of your head? Have you cooked for him before?"

"No."

Lin Ping averted her gaze, quickly trying to cover her slip.

"When you treated President Lin to dinner that time, I noticed he seemed to prefer these kinds of dishes."

"I see. So you were paying that much attention to Lin Shen."

Shen Mingchuan felt a pang of annoyance.

"You aren’t still holding out hope for him, are you? President Lin is an outstanding guy in every respect, but we’re just ordinary people. There’s no need to think about marrying up."

"I know."

Lin Ping’s cold reply made Shen Mingchuan breathe a sigh of relief.

His mind raced. He decided to try a different angle to break through his ex-wife’s defenses.

After carefully choosing his words, he asked tentatively.

"Could I... maybe see Anan later?"

"So now you remember you want to see her?"

Lin Ping shot Shen Mingchuan a sidelong glance and said sarcastically.

"It’s been so many years. Anan probably doesn’t even recognize you anymore."

"That’s not possible, is it? I’m her real dad, after all..."

Shen Mingchuan scratched his head, embarrassed. He’d thought she was going to refuse, but to his surprise, after a moment of hesitation, she nodded.

"We can pick her up from kindergarten later."

"Great!"

Shen Mingchuan was overjoyed. He could feel a definite shift; Lin Ping’s attitude toward him was much better than it had been at the start!

He decided to strike while the iron was hot. He unleashed a torrent of flattery, pouring all the same sweet nothings he’d once used to deceive Xu Fei onto Lin Ping.

It seemed to be working, too. The look in her eyes softened considerably.

In reality, it was all an act. Lin Ping was deliberately putting on a show to give Shen Mingchuan the false hope that they might get back together.

’Give him a sweet treat, then hit him with a big stick!’

’Just you wait!’

’When the time is right, I’ll make you feel the same heartbreak I did!’

The seeds of revenge had taken root in Lin Ping’s heart.

But for now, the most important thing was making a lavish dinner for Lin Shen.

So, Lin Ping bought shrimp, fish, and even a multi-pound king crab in the seafood section.

Seeing the price tag of several hundred yuan per pound, Shen Mingchuan’s smile froze. His wallet was already starting to ache.

"Um... Ping, does Lin Shen even like king crab?"

"When you’re hosting an important guest, don’t you need a few impressive dishes to show respect?"

Lin Ping stared coldly at Shen Mingchuan.

"Besides, weren’t you the one who said you wanted to get on Lin Shen’s good side?"

"Alright, alright."

Shen Mingchuan sighed. Seeing the pained look on his face, the corners of Lin Ping’s mouth turned up in a slight smile.

So she proceeded to buy many other expensive items, even choosing imported fruits and vegetables.

Shen Mingchuan looked like he wanted to say something, stopping himself several times, but ultimately he swallowed his words. His expression was awful.

After all, buying the Maotai had already been a huge splurge, and now the groceries were costing a fortune too!

Seeing his reaction, Lin Ping was even more delighted.

This felt like venting a huge amount of pent-up frustration!

After they paid the bill—over three thousand yuan—at the checkout, the smile vanished completely from Shen Mingchuan’s face, only to reappear on Lin Ping’s.

"Let’s go pick up Anan." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Okay."

The anticipation of seeing his daughter made Shen Mingchuan feel much better. But when they actually arrived at the classroom door, reality dealt him a harsh blow.

—

「5:00 PM.」

「Xinxing Kindergarten, Outside the Classroom.」

Anan hid half her body behind Ms. Wang, her eyes filled with suspicion and anxiety.

This made Shen Mingchuan, who had crouched down to her level, look utterly embarrassed.

He had opened his arms, expecting a touching father-daughter reunion, but instead, Anan didn’t seem to recognize him at all!

"Anan, it’s me, Daddy! Don’t you recognize me?"

At his words, Anan only clutched the hem of Ms. Wang’s shirt tighter and hid behind her, which made Ms. Wang look on helplessly.